Former army official Akbar Hussain has been court-martialled for “inciting sedition” among military personnel, according to a statement from the military’s media wing on Tuesday.
Hussain was charged by Islamabad police last year with sedition and terrorism for his alleged role in the violence and vandalism that occurred during protests following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
“Retired Lieutenant Colonel Akbar Hussain was convicted and sentenced by the Field General Court Martial (FGCM) under the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, for inciting sedition among army personnel and failure to perform duties,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.
The ISPR added that Hussain was found “guilty” through due judicial process and sentenced to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment on May 10. As a result, his rank was forfeited on July 26, 2024.
His social media timeline on platform X showed content critical of the military and its current leadership, while expressing support for PTI.
The ISPR also noted the convictions of Major (retired) Adil Farooq Raja and Captain (retired) Haider Raza Mehdi. Both were court-martialled by the FGCM for inciting sedition among army personnel. Raja and Mehdi were convicted on October 7 and 9, 2023, respectively, and sentenced to 14 and 12 years of rigorous imprisonment. Their ranks were also forfeited, effective November 21, 2023.